Tracking of Dietary Intake and Diet Quality from Late Pregnancy to the Postpartum Period

Abstract

The present study aimed to characterize dietary intake and diet quality from late pregnancy to six months postpartum. Participants (n = 28) completed 2–3 Web-based 24 h recalls at three distinct periods: (1) during the third trimester of pregnancy; (2) three months and (3) six months after delivery. Energy, macro-and micronutrient intakes (from foods and supplements), as well as the Canadian healthy eating index (C-HEI) were derived from the dietary recalls. No significant variation in energy and macronutrient intakes was observed between time points. The proportion of women taking at least one supplement decreased over time (p = 0.003). The total intake of several micronutrients (vitamins A, C, D, group B vitamins, iron, magnesium, zinc, calcium, phosphorus, manganese, and copper) decreased significantly over time (p < 0.05 for all micronutrients). The total C-HEI score and its components did not change, except for the total vegetables and fruit subscore, which decreased over time (8.2 ± 2.0 in the 3rd trimester, 7.1 ± 2.2 at three months postpartum, 6.9 ± 2.4 at 6 months postpartum, p = 0.04). In conclusion, we observed a general stability in diet quality, energy, and macronutrient intakes from the third trimester of pregnancy to six months postpartum. However, several micronutrient intakes decreased over time, mostly due to changes in supplement use.

Dietary Intake across Reproductive Life Stages of Women in India: A Cross-Sectional Survey from 4 Districts of India

“…The dietary intake of women during the postnatal phase is equally important, as the intake during pregnancy, which supports the demand associated with lactation and ensures optimal early life nutrition for the infant. Lactating mothers are at risk of micronutrient deficiencies due to inadequate intake and poor diet quality [ 35 ].…”

The Effects of Maternal Anemia in Pregnant Women with Respect to the Newborn Weight and the Placental Weight in the Delivery Room

“…Maternal anemia might cause serious fetal and maternal complications during pregnancy (7). The effects of this disorder on the placenta and child weight have been reported in the several studies (8)(9)(10)(11). Anemia with hemoglobin levels between 6-10 g/dL might cause placental hypertrophy during the pregnancy.…”

Tracking of Maternal Diet from Pregnancy to Postpregnancy: A Systematic Review of Observational Studies

“…Based on the country, 6 articles were from the United States ( 20 – 24 ), 2 were from the United Kingdom ( 25 , 26 ), 2 were from Sweden ( 27 , 28 ), 1 was from Canada ( 29 ), 2 were from Spain ( 30 , 31 ), 1 was from Ireland ( 32 ), 1 was from Germany ( 33 ), 1 was from Australia ( 34 ), and 1 was from Singapore ( 35 ). Six studies examined changes in energy intakes ( 21 , 24 , 29 , 32 – 34 ), 5 studies examined macronutrient changes ( 21 , 29 , 32 – 34 ), 5 studies examined changes in micronutrient intakes ( 26 , 28 , 29 , 34 , 36 ), 4 studies examined changes in intakes of food groups ( 21 , 22 , 27 , 31 ), 3 studies examined diet quality ( 27 , 29 , 34 ), 3 studies examined dietary patterns ( 23 , 25 , 30 ), and 2 studies examined maternal food habits ( 20 , 35 ). Varied dietary assessment methods were used: 10 studies used the FFQ ( 20 – 23 , 25 , 27 , 28 , 31 , 32 , 34 ), 1 used an interview-administered questionnaire ( 35 ), 4 used a weighed food diary ( 26 , 30 , 33 , 36 ), and 2 used multiple 24-h recalls ( 24 , 29 ).…”

“…Six studies examined changes in energy intakes ( 21 , 24 , 29 , 32 – 34 ), 5 studies examined macronutrient changes ( 21 , 29 , 32 – 34 ), 5 studies examined changes in micronutrient intakes ( 26 , 28 , 29 , 34 , 36 ), 4 studies examined changes in intakes of food groups ( 21 , 22 , 27 , 31 ), 3 studies examined diet quality ( 27 , 29 , 34 ), 3 studies examined dietary patterns ( 23 , 25 , 30 ), and 2 studies examined maternal food habits ( 20 , 35 ). Varied dietary assessment methods were used: 10 studies used the FFQ ( 20 – 23 , 25 , 27 , 28 , 31 , 32 , 34 ), 1 used an interview-administered questionnaire ( 35 ), 4 used a weighed food diary ( 26 , 30 , 33 , 36 ), and 2 used multiple 24-h recalls ( 24 , 29 ). The cohort populations ranged from 28 to 8935 women.…”

“…Variations in dietary intake measurement time points during pregnancy or postpregnancy were observed. Eight studies evaluated maternal diet 3 times (once each trimester) ( 24 , 26 – 28 , 30 , 31 , 33 , 34 ), 2 studies evaluated maternal diet once throughout the entire pregnancy ( 21 , 22 ), 2 studies evaluated it during the first trimester ( 20 , 32 ), 2 studies evaluated it during the second trimester ( 23 , 35 ), 2 studies evaluated it during the third trimester ( 25 , 29 ), and 1 study evaluated it during the second and third trimesters ( 36 ). Follow-up time points also varied between studies, ranging from 3 wk to 5 y after delivery.…”